Bush has face lesions removed

WASHINGTON — President Bush had four lesions removed from his face late last week, the White House said Monday. At least two of them could have led to cancer.

Bush had two actinic keratoses removed from his cheeks. The lesions, caused by exposure to the sun, are precancerous, which means they might become skin cancers, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.

The president had two less serious seborrheic keratoses removed from his forehead and temple. Often referred to as "barnacles of old age," these keratoses are common with advancing age, according to the academy.

All four lesions were removed with liquid nitrogen in the White House physician's office Friday.

The White House did not reveal Bush's lesions or treatments until reporters noticed red marks caused by the treatment on the president's face during a photo opportunity at the White House on Monday.

No biopsies were done of the lesions, indicating that there was no fear that the lesions had become cancerous.

Bush had three of the more serious actinic keratoses removed in August following a routine physical. Outside medical experts said such recurrences are common and indicated that Bush could develop others while in office.

Actinic keratoses can occur on individuals who are exposed extensively to the sun. Though trapped indoors most often by his job, Bush likes to spend weekends jogging outside or working on his ranch in Crawford, Texas.

"As is recommended ... the president routinely uses sunscreen and receives periodic evaluations," the White House said in a statement Monday.